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Despite a needless jump forward to the (non-graphic) slaughter of newborn males, the proceedings are pretty straightforward, as Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes, Whale Rider) finds herself being hit on by angel Gabriel (Alexander Siddig, Syriana) and is soon preggers, to the dismay of skeptical husband Joseph (Oscar Isaac). However, once Gabriel brings him around to her way of thinking, the humble couple soon journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem under the order of anxious King Herod (Ciaran Hinds), and… well, I wouldn’t want to spoil anything now.

Meanwhile, across town, the Three Wise Men – Balthasar (Eriq Ebouaney), Melchior (Nadim Sawalha), and Gaspar (Stefan Kalipha) – find themselves prompted by a prophecy to also journey towards Bethlehem, bearing gifts, bickering constantly, and making for the closest thing to comic relief this tale has to offer.

Helmer Hardwicke (Thirteen, Lords of Dogtown) and writer Mike Rich (the atrociously trite Radio) tackle the story of the world’s most infamous exception to abstinence with relative tact, so while the story itself isn’t dramatically ripe, their presentation of it isn’t as overtly preachy as one might fear. In fact, the pair seems to play it safe in every facet and they consequently fashion a glossy Christmas origin story that reveals the conception and birth of Jesus Christ for the slight melodrama it really is. A solemn Castle-Hughes makes for a mildly affecting Mary, while Shohreh Aghdashloo is in adequate awe as Elizabeth. However, it is the understated performance of Isaac as Joseph that resonates more than most of the ensemble, a conflicted husband and sudden surrogate father whose concern and devotion works on a realistic level rather than a righteous one.

For the devout, 'The Nativity Story' might make for a suitable Sunday school substitute of sorts, while us cynics simply can’t help but acknowledge the drive of dollar signs that propels this movie’s very existence more so than any sincere enthusiasm for telling this tale. Still, the passive result is certainly harmless enough for both heathens and believers who don’t want to risk testing their faith in the least. Besides, how does that whole thing about to err and to forgive go again?

link directly to this review at https://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=15286&reviewer=409
originally posted: 12/15/06 16:01:38
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